The Tackling Loneliness Collaborative in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

Kirsty Veitch-Sorsby is the Lead for the Tackling Loneliness Collaborative (TLC) – Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Here she tells us about what they do and the exciting new work the group is undertaking.

What is the Tackling Loneliness Collaborative? 

The Tackling Loneliness Collaborative (TLC) is a partnership-based group involving 87 representatives from health, social care, voluntary and community organisations, volunteers and local communities. They aim to map and support local services tackling loneliness and gain an understanding of loneliness needs within Nottinghamshire, with the ultimate aim of communicating needs and influencing decision-making regarding future loneliness.

June is an important time. Not only have we just had Loneliness Awareness Week, on Wednesday 22 June, Nottingham Trent University will launch a report on ‘Tackling Loneliness in Nottinghamshire’. This report was commissioned by the TLC and the research was led by Dr. Mhairi Bowe. The recommendations from the report will be huge in shaping future ways of working.

Findings from the Tackling Loneliness in Nottinghamshire report

Although the report will be published later this week, we have a sneak peak of the findings from Study 1A, 1B and Study 2.

In Study 1A a database of services aimed at reducing loneliness was built. The database includes 213 identified services, of which 32% are directly aimed at tackling loneliness. It also records the nature, location, size, and service-users associated with each service. Study 1B was aimed at assessing the needs and experiences of 10% of identified services from within the database. Study 2 involved a large-scale survey of Nottinghamshire residents aimed at explored knowledge, experience, and impact of services and experiences and predictors of loneliness, health, and well-being within the community across three time points.

Participants were recruited using an online survey website; via study adverts sent out to local services; and on the Nottinghamshire County Council email bulletin. Data from 795 residents were analysed at 3 different time points. Levels of loneliness were consistent across time points.

A flavour of the results of Study 2 show that:

• 18-25 year olds report the highest loneliness
• 26-45 year olds report the lowest loneliness
• Depression, anxiety and stress are all highest in the 18-25 year olds and lowest in the over 65’s
• Loneliness was also correlated with lower self-rated health and more GP appointments over the last 3 months.

Recommendations include:

• Regular scoping
• Robustly mapping support available
• Actively encouraging joined up working with health and social provisions

Next steps

The full context and findings will be made available after the report launch. The TLC are currently working to a 2-year plan where they are linking to national campaigns and local community development initiatives including link workers, such as social prescribers. They are just starting to create a social media presence.

To find out more or to get involved with the Tackling Loneliness Collaborative for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, reach out to Kirsty on the Hub or contact: Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service on 01909 476 188 or email kirsty.veitch-sorsby@bcvs.org.uk